Now that the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit has been extended until April, a lot of would be first-time homebuyers are still contemplating taking the "Big JUMP."

If you are a first-time homebuyer, I say go ahead and take the jump, because it will be a while before things are this great for buyers again.

The First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is FREE Money that can be used almost instantly to help you purchase your first home.  You can also use it for several other things such as

• Downpayment,
• additional upgrades, if you're buying a new construction.
• Price Reduction on the list price.
• Renovations
• Repairs
• Furniture
• Appliances
• the list is endless

So why keep contemplating about whether you should or not.  It's the best present that you could give to yourself this Holiday Season.

If you have questions and concerns about the homebuying process, contact me and I will be glad to educate you on the do's and don'ts of homebuying.  You can also visit my website and go to the Buyer Basics Page, to request your informative Homebuyer's Package.  This package is full of ideas and tips on what to expect during the homebuying process, getting prequalified for your loan, increasing your credit scores, etc.

So stop stressing and debating and start choosing your Color Palette, because your new home is waiting for you Today!!

This just in....Congress has Agreed to Extend and Expand the $8,000 Tax Credit Incentive.

The new Law not only extends the $8,000 First-time buyer Tax Credit through June of 2010, but it also Expands and reaches another group of buyers. Those Buyers who have owner their current home for the last five years, now qualify for $6,500.

The Senate Approved it on Wenesday and the House just approved it today.  The Bill is expected to be signed by President Obama on tomorrow (Friday).

This is great news for the housing industry, because now, many buyers who wish to move-up can now be able to take advantage of a $6500 Tax Credit. 

Both buyers have to have a signed contract by April 30, 2010 and Close by June 30, 2010. I personally think that this will definitely keep our housing market moving in the right direction.  What are your thoughts on this? 

I Love Halloween on Houston Street in my town.  This was my second year taking my little ones trick or treating down Houston Street.  When I went my first year, it was exactly like the scene out of a movie.  I've never seen so many townspeople in one place.  But I guess that's the good thing about living in a small town.  You get to see all of the people that you normally see at church, at the little league games or just at the local Brookshire's Grocery Store.  It's about Community.  It's about Fun!

You see, not only is Houston Street the most prestigious street in Kaufman, but it is also home to many of the grand historical homes, some of which still have the pre-Civil War Wrought Iron Fencing in the front yard, as well as some brand new craftsman style homes.  I love this street.  

Most of the residences of Houston Street participate in the Halloween festivities.  I couldn't help but drive down Houston street several times during the weeks of October, and notice how the residences were preparing for the big night. 

They really do go all out! and it has become a tradition for the people who grew up here as well as for the newcomers such as myself. 

Happy Halloween Kaufman.

After countless days and hours of Target Practicing with his Matthews Bow....the Kaufman County Game Warden gathered enough patience and precision that allowed him to take the Buck of a Lifetime, on Monday, October 19, 2009.  This certainly proves that practice definitely makes PERFECT. 

Click here for the photo and interview.

This could not have happened to a better guy. And I have to admit that I am totally biased, because this great guy is not only a great hunter, but a GREAT husband and father as well. 

Since distressed properties have taken over the market and may seem like the best deal in town, there are many things to consider before purchasing. one.

First of all, Foreclosed properties are much easier to purchase than properties that are pre-foreclosures/short sales.  That's because the banks have already taken possession of the property and are now the current owners.  They've have appraisals done and several broker price opinions done in order to help them determine the price that they should list the property for.  These prices are generally prices that should get the foreclosed property sold within 30 days.  That's the bank's motivation, to hurry and get these properties off of their books, so that they can continue lending.

Secondly, foreclosed properties are usually being sold AS-IS, with no Warranties, no Repairs, no Seller's Disclosures and is basically "what you see is what you get."  Now grant it, each bank is different in what they will do in order to get a foreclosed property sold.  For example, I had a foreclosed listing that needed extensive foundation work, to my surprise, the bank paid for that and the transaction closed smoothly.  Also, on another transaction, I had a foreclosed listing that needed two HVAC units and the bank paid for those as well.  So have your agent contact the listing agent to see exactly how motivated the bank is in moving a particular foreclosed property.

Thirdly, foreclosed properties can Close quickly, so be sure that you are pre-approved and have any other financial requirements in order.  Generally, when the bank says "When," you should be ready to tell them, or they will move on to the next interested party.

Finally, you're not the only one interested in purchasing foreclosed properties.  The competition is very stiff and if you are not ready to purchase then get out of the way, because you will only end up disappointed.  Investors are out looking at the same foreclosed properties as you, and they can generally buy in bulk and pay cash.  For example, I just listed two foreclosed properties last Thursday night and had three offers on one of them by Friday afternoon, and they were all from investors.

So yes, foreclosed properties are a great deals, but it is up to you to be ready and prepared to take advantage of those deals.  Let me help get you ready you don't miss out on the opportunity of a life-time.

Visit my website to sign up for your FREE FORECLOSURE LIST. 

MeLisa Minter, MBA, Realtor

melisa@homesmint2be.com

469-766-7379

Here We Go!! Another Season of Little League Football in Kaufman, Texas.

This will be our second season participating, so I'm a little ambivalent about it.  I look forward to the games, but not the rough and demanding practice schedules that these little ones have to edure.  Not to mention that most of the games are on Saturdays, smack in the middle of the Day.  This requires me to either set very early or very late showing appointments on Saturday. 

But I know with Football Season, also comes very cool weather (not until October here in Texas) and the Holiday Season.  My son is already practicing plays and getting use to new players, but when school starts in a few weeks, reality will set in for him. 

So I wish the Kaufman Lions Little League Association Good Luck this Season.  I don't look forward to sitting in sweltering heat over the next couple of months, but I do look forward sitting in the benches under warm blankets with a cup of hot cocoa come this Fall.

Here's Wishing You Many Touch Downs Guys!!

MeLisa Minter, MBA, Realtor

www.homesmint2be.com

I've been working with a client for a while on his loan modification.  After several modification package submittals and many phone calls, my seller receives a letter stating that the seller's modification was denied due to their monthly income. Mind you, when my seller applied, he was the only one working and there was definitely a financial hardship.  Plus he had mounting medical bills from a family member's medical care. 

Anyway, they send the denial letter one day and then the very next day, they send the Foreclosure Letter.  What is going on?? I ask.  He contacted me on a Monday and the home was suppose to be foreclosed on that Tuesday.  I immediately tell him to get back on the phone with the servicing company and demand to speak with a supervisor.  Of course he gets the runaround from customer service and the loss mitigator, to no avail.  I then give him links and information about the "Making Home Affordable" Program and how lenders are not suppose to be foreclosing on sellers that would like to remain in their homes. 

Armed with that information and the phone numbers and emails of a couple of top executives, we called the foreclosing attorney's office, the top level execs and the loss mitigation dept.  We also faxed everyone the info about the "Making Home Affordable" guidelines as well another hardship letter.

Within 30 minutes, we get a call from the original loss mitigator stating that the lender has decided to review my seller's file again and that they would get back to them in two weeks with either the option of reducing their interest rate or reducing their monthly payments and adding the past due amount to the end of the loans. 

We were ecstatic.  We could not believe it!!  It just goes to show you that a lot of these servicing company employees have no idea about the new regulations or they don't care.  It also shows that homeowners need to do their research and perhaps have an experienced professional by their sides to help them through the modification process.

Good Luck to all of you on your modifications.

MeLisa Minter

www.homesmint2be.com

Do you live in Kaufman or Rockwall Counties and have a mortgage with American Home Mortgage Servicing Inc. also formerly known as Option One.  Do you need to do a Short Sale on your home? If so, I can assist you with your Short Sale/Pre-Foreclosure.

Visit my website to register for your free Short Sale Information Package.  This package contains information about the short sale process, the documents needed to apply and the information about the Mortgage Debt Relieft Act.

I have experience in working with American Home Mortgage Servicing and I know their Short Sale Process and Procedures.  This took a lot of time and effort, but I am now very comfortable with this organization and I have a few inside contacts that can steer me in the right direction whenever I encounter the famous AHMSI roadblocks.

Short Sales are very common these days and since a lot of homeowners are upside down in their mortgages and can't make the payments, the Short Sale Option is the most viable option for you to consider and it does not damage your credit as much as a foreclosure would.

Check out AHMSI Frequently Asked Questions www.ahmsi3.com/servicing/BAT_faqs.asp, then give me a call so that we can discuss your Short Sale.

My recent Short Sales with American Home Mo rtgage Servicing Inc.

Villages of Fox Hollow, Forney - $193,500

Lofland Farms, Rockwall - $142,000

Estates of Quail Ridge , Royse City -$118,000

Hope All Is Well,

MeLisa Minter, MBA, Realtor

www.homesmint2be.com

469-766-7379